Case Study: Ritz-Carlton Reserve achieves a culturally immersive ultra-luxury resort with Gensler

Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s 110-key Nekajui resort redefines ultra-luxury in Costa Rica with Gensler

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve sought to create an ultra-luxury resort in Costa Rica that would meet changing traveler demands for an experience deeply connected to its specific location and nature. To design Nekajui, they partnered with the architecture and design firm Gensler to create a unique stay that would immerse guests in the local culture and the preservation of the adjacent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gensler's solution was to weave the cultural, historical, and natural context of Guanacaste into the resort's design across three distinct areas. Using local materials and site-sensitive, tree house-style architecture with naturally ventilated spaces, the design immerses guests in Costa Rican heritage. As a result, Gensler created a model for sustainable ultra-luxury resorts that balances elegance with the tropical climate and raises the bar for deep connections to nature, place, and people.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve)